It is not a surprise to hear that more automakers are starting to work with Chinese manufacturers. In fact, Audi has reportedly inked a partnership with China’s SAIC Motor to secure the rights to the latter’s electric vehicle (EV) platform.
IM L7
Automotive News reported the German automaker will use the EV platform from SAIC Motor’s luxury subbrand, IM Motors, following the delays of the Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).
The SSP is promising serious EV capabilities that could potentially make models using it become more competitive. It is said to deliver up to 1,700 horsepower, which is 600 hp more than the initial power figure. Also, this platform is looking to offer a charging time of just 12 minutes and level-three autonomous driving technology.
“All stakeholders agree that the Chinese auto market is in the midst of the biggest transformation in history, therefore we will work on a strategic approach that guarantees our future success,” said SAIC in a statement to Automotive News.
Considering SAIC Motor owns MG (Morris Garages), we could see some of the British-bred automaker’s components in future Audi models. While we aren’t sure what the acquisition of the EV platform is for, we can expect Audi to develop EVs based on its “Sphere” concepts – activesphere, grandsphere, urbansphere, and skysphere.
Audi activesphere concept
The Audi activesphere concept is a crossover designed for off-roading, while the Grandsphere sedan concept is more for luxury and class. While the urbansphere boasts large interior space in the form of an electric minivan, the skysphere only comes with two seats builtfor those who want spirited driving.
It is still unclear whether these upcoming SAIC-based Audis will be exclusive to the Chinese market or not.
What we know is SAIC Motor recently entered the Philippine market as MG’s new importer and distributor. It also previewed three EVs scheduled to arrive later this year – the MG 4, the MG ZS EV, and the MG Marvel R.
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